State mechanism curbs freedom of expression

Prominent journalists and authors from different Asian countries yesterday at a literary session came up with the view that state mechanism has been curbing freedom of expression while individuals are suffering for maintaining ideas to remain independent and using words against the powerful.

They said that when at one end social media has been monitored and individuals have to undergo surveillance, people also received threats from fanatic groups for their critical views.

They added that media in different nations were forced to undergo self-censorship due to hard stance of religious fanatics and ultra-populists.

The literary session “Words under Siege” was part of Dhaka Literary Festival (DLF) 2016 that ended yesterday at the capital's Bangla Academy.

Shapan Adnan, a Bangladeshi sociology teacher, viewed that while literary writings are the centrepiece of censorship and pressures, non-literary writings that deal with social and political discourses are also being constrained. “These are the limitations to freedom of speech,” he added.

The word “siege” has different connotation and can be used to express different meanings, said Uzbek journalist and writer Hamid Ismailov. A single piece of writing can be understood differently by the state authorities while fanatics may find another meaning of it, he added.

“I never dreamt to be a dissident writer,” said Hamid, who was forced into exile in the United Kingdom, adding that he is a writer of “mild philosophical stuff”.

Prabda Yoon, a Thai writer and artist, said although it looks from outside that Thailand is a welcoming country, there are conservative views prevailing there.

Kanak Mani Dixit, founding editor of Kathmandu-based review magazine Himal Southasian that decided to close down, said there is a particular power of ultra-populism, from religious fanatics to ultra-nationalists, which is playing a role...in forcing media to undergo self-censorship in South Asia.

Kanak viewed that the states all over South Asia is increasingly using “other means of control” beyond regulatory mechanism to come down hard on freedom of expression. “They did it to Himal magazine in Kathmandu.”

The issue of Himal that focuses on the attacks on freedom of expression in the region was launched at an event yesterday, moderated by Romana Cacchioli of Pen International.

Abed for Development to Change Culture

Attending the closing ceremony of DLF as the chief guest, Brac Founder and Chairperson Sir Fazle Hasan Abed said the purpose of development is to change culture.

“…When one educates a girl child, the culture changes in the household,” he added. 

He further said it is important to do development in a culturally appropriate way.

Praising the initiative of DLF, he hoped it will continue in future with mingling of greater number of literary minds.

The sixth edition of the event saw some 200 talents from various countries sharing their views in about 100 sessions. There were cultural events highlighting folk performances and poetry sessions.

Gemcon Literary Awards

Litterateur Moinul Ahsan Saber and Mostafiz Karigar won Gemcon Sahitya Puroshkar (literary award) 2016 for their works “Abdul Jalil Jekarone Mara Gelo” and “Bastubargo” respectively.

Gemcon Director and DLF Co-director Kazi Anis Ahmed handed over the awards.